FABrIC Challenges address the entire innovation chain:
Skills development, manufacturing, and commercialization of Made-in-Canada IoT devices.
Manufacturing Process Development
Reimbursement of up to 50% for eligible R&D expenses incurred in Canadian manufacturing firms for projects that develop new manufacturing processes in MEMS, photonics, compound semiconductor, and superconducting/quantum technologies. Includes financial support and technical assistance for packaging technologies, characterizing new processes, developing process design kits, and staging pilot multi-user multi-project manufacturing runs promoted and managed by CMC Microsystems. Reimbursement of up to 40% of capital costs of manufacturing equipment may also be available.
IOT Product Development
Reimbursement of up to 50% for eligible R&D expenses incurred in Canadian firms for projects that develop new IoT products and services, including IoT devices with made-in-Canada components.
Quantum Technology Development
Academics and small enterprises can apply to receive expert technical support for developing quantum computer algorithms and testing these on state-of-the art quantum computers, e.g., IBM, Xanadu. Funding is also available to support eligible SMEs to design, build and assemble in Canada quantum hardware devices and supporting electronics and device fixtures.
Skills Development
SMEs can apply for up to 50% reimbursement for employee upskilling and retraining projects which develop expertise in FABrIC-supported technologies. Fee-based, highly subsidized support is available for professors, graduate students, and undergraduate students in Canadian post-secondary institutions undertaking research and requiring access to design tools, prototype chip manufacturing, and testing resources.
Canadian Ecosystem Development
Reimbursement of up to 100% for eligible expenses for projects which develop and grow the Canadian ecosystem in technologies supported by FABrIC and involving academics, industry, and not-for-profit organizations. Includes networking events, workshops, delegations to attract foreign investment, and more.
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Support from FABrIC is in the form of non-repayable funds and access to the Innovation Platform – tools, technologies, manufacturing, training, and expertise.
Support is allocated via FABrIC Challenges, a competitive process undertaken by an arms-length set of committees.
Evidence of market pull, and commercialization plans is required.
Recipients must be situated in Canada and be in small and medium sized enterprises, post-secondary institutions, or not-for-profits.
Access by academics is fee-based.
Priority is given to projects that grow Canada’s ecosystem and create intellectual property and know-how of exclusive benefit to Canada.